Sereno insists charges against her have no sufficient basis

MANILA, Philippines – Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has reacted to the hearings being conducted by the House Justice Committee on her impeachment case.

She was a guest at a professional lecture on judicial accountability held at the Supreme Court, Thursday morning.

The Chief Justice said she subjected herself to the process in order to protect the independence and dignity of the courts.

“I have submitted myself to this process according to the rights that are accorded in my position. And I hope that you have taken it in all good faith that that is my intent to defend the dignity and independence of the judiciary. In various fora, I have already tried to encapsulate in very, very brief form why the charges against me, in fact, should bear no sufficient basis,” Sereno said.

She said it’s most important to her to keep the independence of the judiciary and that she has been following this principle since her appointment to the court.

Sereno requested three things from the members of the judiciary: continue working undistracted, be vigilant and continue to pray.

“Please continue to focus on your work. Nothing should distract us. There is much to be done for this country. Our country is crying for justice,” said Sereno.

The Chief Justice was also a guest in the forum organized by the newly-formed Voices of Women for Justice and Peace.

She refused to comment on the statement of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who said that the evidence against her is piling up.

“I have not yet heard him say anything so I cannot comment. So let’s just leave it at that,” Sereno said.

The women’s group has expressed support for the Chief Justice’s fight. – Roderic Mendoza | UNTV News & Rescue